Saving one horse won't change the world, but it will change the world for that horse.
A Little about Us...
Casey's is in Maple Park, IL. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization operating on donations, sponsors and Fundraisers.
Flashback Rescue - Cece
Happy New Year to our longtime and new supporters. As many of you know, after losing our lease and being unable to secure a new barn, Second Chance Saddlebreds (SCS)—a rescue in Wisconsin—stepped forward and helped us save every one of our rescues. As we transition into supporting SCS, we want to spend the next months sharing Flashbacks from our 13 years as a rescue and sanctuary, honoring the lives you helped us save.
We recently lost our feisty girl, Cece, to a choke that could not be remedied. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing she is now free of pain and reunited with the many rescues who became angels before her.
This is Cece’s story.
In December of 2014, we received a call from a dog rescue in southern Illinois. While rescuing dogs from a hoarding situation, one of their staff walked around a garage and discovered a paint pony tied up inside. Cece was clearly in distress, and her physical condition was alarming.
The dog rescue reached out to local equine rescues, but because Cece had what appeared to be a severely malformed hoof, they were told by multiple sources—including a local farrier—that she should be euthanized. Then they called Casey’s Safe Haven. And of course, we said yes.
When Cece arrived, she was welcomed with love, care, and immediate attention. We treated her eyes, cleaned her up, and focused on her injured leg. Her hoof deformity was the result of severe, untreated laminitis that had caused her to founder. Over time, the coffin bone rotated and sank, the flexor tendon tightened, and her hoof reshaped itself into a vertical, clubbed form that matched the bone inside.
We massaged her leg with Rio’s oil to help relax the tendons, knowing she would likely never walk normally. But Cece never let that stop her.
She ran with the other ponies, became an ambassador for visitors (sorry, Petunia!), and proudly served as our “Parade Girl” at the Elburn parades. Marching bands, crowds, loud noises—nothing phased her. Cece took everything in stride, literally and figuratively. She earned the nickname “Wonder Girl.”
Despite her spirit, Cece continued to struggle physically. In 2020 and 2021, she appeared to be constantly abscessing. In reality, she had a chronic infection caused by walking on her toe, which was continually wearing down and allowing dirt and bacteria to enter the hoof.
In August of 2021, during a routine trim, the front wall of her hoof cracked completely—from the ground to the hairline. This devastating injury required immediate emergency care. X-rays and examinations revealed severe, long-standing infection, possibly extending into the bone. We were told she could be septic and advised to provide hospice care, as her prognosis was grim.
But Cece was a fighter—and so were we.
The decision was made to try to save her. After many rounds of antibiotics failed, Cece was transported to a trauma center where the only remaining option was a hoof wall resection—removing most of the front wall of her hoof down to the bone. It was painful, risky, and uncertain, with no guarantees of survival.
Against the odds, Cece endured.
Her recovery required movement to promote blood flow, constant monitoring, and protection from infection—an enormous challenge. Throughout 2022, Cece returned to the trauma center three times for limb perfusions with strong antibiotics. Finally, the infection was eliminated.
Once that hurdle was cleared, the long process of rebuilding her hoof began. Mitch, Prince’s trainer and our barn manager, immediately recognized Cece’s determination and stepped up to guide her recovery. Working closely with our vet, our farrier Dan, and hoof specialists, Mitch poured countless hours into thinking outside the box to manage her care through every season and setback.
A leading expert later said Cece’s hoof was one of the worst cases he had seen in his career.
And yet—Cece persevered.
After more than a year on pain medication and antibiotics, she was finally medication-free. She was happy. She was strong. She was thriving.
Then, in early 2026, tragedy struck. Cece ingested a large root from her run that became lodged in her esophagus. Despite every effort to dislodge it, surgery was the only option—and it was not one she could survive.
According to Mitch, Cece had been doing better than she had in years. Having a stall with a run made her happier than ever. “It was a fight to get her inside every day,” he said. “She had a really good last few weeks.”
Cece was a strong, sassy fighter. Through determination, expert care, and an unbreakable spirit, she overcame more obstacles than most ever could.
She will forever be our Wonder Girl. 💛🐴
With many years love and gratitude,
The Casey’s Safe Haven Team
Casey's Christmas Cards for You!
Quick look at our 2024 Holiday Cards Featuring Prince, Billy and Petunia
Prince Holiday Card #1
Download order form above!
Prince Holiday Card #2
Download order form above!
Billy #3
Download order form above!
Billy #4
Download order form above!
Petunia #5
Download order form above!
Petunia #6
Download order form above!
Our Grant Partners
